Back in 2010 when I was shopping for a Z , I too wanted a manual trans. But the deal I got on my 7at was too good to pass up.One test drive and I was convinced that the at was no compramise.
Run it anyway you want to, full auto, manual, it's a blast.
And when you sit in traffic, there's no endless standing on a clutch.
This at is a far cry from the 1962 GM 2sp "Hydromatic" that was used in the at 'vettes of long ago.
3 years of ownership no problems, no complaints and having a whole lotta fun.
( Even with the at, my wife still won't drive it
)